GoFundMe for Khai Cowley – killed in shark attack – hits 10 times its goal as ‘paddle out’ planned
A GoFundMe for the heartbroken family of Khai Cowley, who tragically died after a shark attack, has reached ten times its goal, as memorial ‘paddle out’ plans are finalised.
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A fundraiser for a teenager killed in a shark attack on the Yorke Peninsula last week has hit a staggering new total, as a memorial “paddle out” for his grieving family and friends is confirmed.
A GoFundMe for Khai Cowley’s funeral and heartbroken family has reached 10 times its original goal of $7500, with donates hitting nearly $85,000 in just five days from more than 1500 individual pledges and tribute messages.
Khai, 15, was surfing at popular tourist spot, Ethel Beach in Innes National Park, with his dad last Thursday when he died after being attacked by a shark.
The “paddle out” event in his honour has been confirmed among the local surfing community to celebrate his life and passion for the sport, but a date has not yet been set.
Khai’s aunt Lauryn Barley set up the GoFundMe last Friday to help his parents Tim and Kate, with a goal of $7500.
Among the donors to the GoFundMe was mother Anna Weenink and stepmother Olivia Watson, who had recently experienced their own tragic loss before Christmas.
Ms Watson and Ms Weenink left a heartfelt message of support, while making a generous donation to the Cowley family.
“We are devastated for Khai’s family and want to express our deepest condolences and prayers for comfort at this time,” they wrote on the fundraiser.
“We didn’t know Khai, but we suddenly lost our 16-year-old son Benjy a couple of weeks before Christmas, and we know the utter heartbreak and shock you are experiencing.
“We hope you can find strength at this time through the love of those around you. With love from Liv and Anna Weenink x.”
Benjy, a Urrbrae Agricultural High School year 10 student, involved in a crash that left four others injured, when the driver of a ute in which he was a passenger lost control on Main South Road on December 10.
The Micgroms Surf Club, where Khai was a member, also shared a heartwarming tribute along with a $1000 donation.
“We are devastated by the passing of Khai, who was a member of our club since 2016,” the club wrote.
“He was a kind and considerate person, a good friend, and a talented surfer. Khai was well respected and admired by all who knew him.
“Love and support to his family. We will miss you grommet.”
Another donor, Espen Jack, who “caught the train” and “surfed with him a couple of times,” shared his devastation over Khai’s tragic death.
“Khai was such a legend! Caught the train with him for a whole year and always chatted about surfing! Surfed with him a couple of times and he always ripped!
“Didn’t believe it when I heard the breaking news. No more buddy to race up the stairs at the train station at exactly 3:45 every day to get away from the crowd that gets off the train after school!
“Keep being a legend up there Khai grommie everyone loves you and misses you brother.”
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
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